Change Quote by William S. Burroughs
“Changes... can only be effected by alterations in the original. The only thing not prerecorded in a prerecorded universe are the prerecordings themselves. The copies can only repeat themselves word for word. A virus is a copy. You can pretty it up, cut it up, scramble it - it will reassemble in the same form.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Naked Lunch, William S. Burroughs, 1959
Originality is essential; copies merely repeat, and any change must stem from the source itself.
In simple terms: Change must come from the original, not from copies.
Key Takeaway
Focus on altering the source.
Themes
creativity
originality
replication
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- writing
- software development
- cultural critique
- genetic engineering
Key Concepts
memetics
information theory
viral replication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure the source evolves?
- What limits do copies impose on innovation?
A Different Perspective
Copies cannot generate true novelty without source alteration.
